Simple qestion! Is a teaching certification, be it TESOL or any other certification that is recognized, necessary to teach in South Korea. From what I've noticed it does not seem that way. I've come across some postings that say they would like to see one, but not fully necessary. Some thoughts?

You don't need a TESOL or any other certificate. Only a Bachelor's degree.

On the following link, select Immigration Service from the top navigation and then Visa Issuance from the secondary top nav. Then, see E-2 visa on section 4, for up-to-date info on Immigration's requirements-

Joined: 18 Aug 2003Location: Geoje, Hadong, Tongyeong,... now in a small coastal island town outside Gyeongsangnamdo!

Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2003 3:37 pm Post subject:

The demand for foreigners is too great for hogwan directors to require certified teachers. Get the qualifications for yourself and your students. It takes a month and many have said it helps greatly. I wish I had. But if you haven't the time, money or inclination, then be assured you can find a 2.0 million won position in Korea if you're not picky about where you go. Korea's a small country, so anywhere is a couple of hours from somewhere (like foreign-friendly Busan or Seoul).

I assume you have a degree. One of my favourite job postings said "degree required but not necessary." If you don't have a degree, then go to China or Indonesia instead. Legally you need a degree in Korea and an employer willing to overlook the fact is VERY likely to ignore your contract and underpay you, provide sub-standard living and working conditions and there'd be nothing you can do about it. There are many honorable Korean employers, but you must take steps to avoid the several bad apples in this barrel. If you have a degree, talk to other foreign teachers at the school, past or present, post messages of inquiry here at Dave's ESLCafe, check blacklists on the Internet, come to Korea on your own dime and check it out (if you can), cross your fingers anyway, and jump